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At the Libraries: Judging People by Their Book Covers

Every week, Miss Kathleen provides links to a variety of library-related items. If there's something fun going on in your local library, leave us a comment!

We've been hearing a lot about e-book this and e-book that. But one thing that physical books have over e-books is the ability to start a conversation. For example, as recently posted on The Paris Review blog, "Can you recommend any books that will make interesting people approach me if I read them on the subway?" Have you ever approached someone because of the book they were reading?
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I mean, we've all done it -- you see someone reading a certain book and you make a judgment about them. That's what makes CoverSpy so fun (and addicting). Although be warned -- every time there is a Kindle user, it is an extreme disappointment. Privacy, schmivacy, I want to be judgmental!
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Speaking of e-books, the children's author Lane Smith has a new book that is a response, of sorts, to all things electrical in our lives. Check out the trailer for his new book, It's a Book, posted on Amazon here.
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Here's a feel good story for you: Public libraries were victorious in Camden, NJ, last week! The municipal libraries were saved, and, what's more, they are talking about allowing Camden residents access to Rutgers' Camden campus library.
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But please don't confuse being awed by us and being in love with us. And, well, if you do, don't hit on us the way these two old guys are. Or, if you really must, at least have read Flaubert, know what I'm saying?

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But, well, no one, and no profession, is perfect. I think my peers may have made a mistake by pulling a queer anthology, but I don't know all the circumstances of the NJ case. Sounds a bit like censorship to me...
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So let's focus on some more good stuff! Maryland residents, did you know about "One Maryland, One Book"? This year's pick is Outcasts United: An American Town, a Refugee Team, and One Woman's Quest to Make a Difference. Sounds good to me! Here's a roundup that the kind folks at Calvert Library of Prince Frederick sent to me (view PDF).
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But maybe you live in Michigan? And are looking for a good book club? Got one for ya: Not Your Mother's Book Club at the Maud Preston Palenske Memorial Library in St. Joseph. Tell them mental_floss sent you!
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Join a book club, go to a program, use your library -- it all adds up to money in your pocket because it's free! How much money? Try this handy little calculator and watch the savings pile up!
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If you follow a great library blog, site, or twitterer, please share it with me! Hit me at atthelibraries@gmail.com or here in the comments.

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Also on Mental Floss:

DID YOU KNOW? Marlon Brando hated memorizing lines so much that he posted cue cards everywhere to help him get through scenes.
He even asked for lines to be written on an actress's posterior. (That request was denied.)